Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

The number one sports app for the true underdog sports fan!

Breaking news alerts and updates!
Eye-catching highlights!
Instant fan reactions from across the world!
7:30
📶 🔋
NBA • Live
Lakers 108 - Warriors 112
Scroll down to see full content

NFL

Tragic details emerge surrounding death of former 49ers LB Aldon Smith

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mark J. Rebilas -- IMAGN IMAGES

Former NFL defensive end Aldon Smith died at the age of 36 on Saturday and tragic details have emerged regarding the timeline of events.

Smith was reportedly helping deliver pizzas to a charity for homeless people with friend and businessman Amir Shirazi in the Bay Area just hours before his death.

Shirazi told the San Francisco Chronicle on Saturday that he found smith unresponsive and twitching in his vehicle outside of his home.

He quickly called 911 and called for assistance from former 49ers running back Anthony Dixon, who attempted to administer CPR.

Smith was declared dead at Good Samaritan Hospital less than an hour later, with a manner of death yet to be revealed.

He was drafted into the league by the 49ers in 2011 and immediately became one of the league’s most promising young defensive players.

Just one year later, Smith set a single-season franchise record with 19.5 sacks while earning a Pro Bowl spot. But off-field issues quickly began to derail his career.

He missed more than four seasons over the next nine years due to various suspensions and was arrested on 10 occasions. He was suspended in 2015 after his third DUI and was eventually banned by the NFL.

Five years later, he was reinstated and played one more season for the Dallas Cowboys.

Shirazi said Smith had since attempted to make changes in his life and was truly trying to make a positive impact on the world.

“He was a very sweet, caring, loving giant,” Shirazi said. “That if you really knew him, you’d know who he truly is.”

James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
About the Author Published Jun 14, 2026

JAMES PARKER

James Parker is a sports reporter and writer for Ball Exclusives. With a bachelor's degree earned at the age of 19, he’s spent years working as a sports journalist, including an award-winning stint at The Appalachian. He has never used AI for his work in any way, shape or form.
Combined Logos
Get the latest sports news at your fingertips with our daily, FREE newsletter!

This form is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

You May Also Like

New Orleans Saints

Eight-time Pro Bowler Cameron Jordan and the New Orleans Saints have agreed on a one-year deal to return to the team. Jordan has spent...

NFL

In the wake of his sudden passing, the family of former NFL defensive end Aldon Smith has decided to send his brain to a...

Breaking News

After a highly-scrutinized legal battle over his NCAA eligibility, Texas Tech transfer quarterback Brendan Sorsby has decided to apply the NFL supplemental draft after...

Dallas Cowboys

Wide receiver George Pickens couldn’t come to an agreement with the Dallas Cowboys on a contract extension, but he will reportedly attend the team’s...